Notwithstanding other state law, the protection and advocacy system established in this state under the federal Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 10801 et seq.) is entitled to access to records relating to persons with mental illness to the extent authorized by federal law.

(b) If the patient consents to notification, the protection and advocacy system shall notify the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation's Office of Client Services and Rights Protection if the system decides to investigate a complaint of abuse, neglect, or rights violation that relates to a patient in a facility or program operated by, licensed by, certified by, or in a contractual relationship with the department.